desensitize

[ dee-sen-si-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·sen·si·tized, de·sen·si·tiz·ing.

1. to lessen the sensitiveness of.
2. to make indifferent, unaware, or the like, in feeling.
3. Photography. to make less sensitive or wholly insensitive to light, as the emulsion on a film.
4. Printing. to treat (the design on a lithographic plate) with an etch in order to increase the capacity to retain moisture, and to remove traces of grease.
5. Chemistry. to reduce the sensitivity of (an explosive) to those stimuli capable of detonating it.

desensitize

/ diːˈsɛnsɪˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to render insensitive or less sensitive

   to desensitize photographic film

   the patient was desensitized to the allergen

2. psychol to decrease the abnormal fear in (a person) of a situation or object, by exposing him to it either in reality or in his imagination

Derived Forms

• deˈsensiˌtizer, noun
• deˌsensitiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·sensi·tizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desensitize¹

First recorded in 1900–05; de- + sensitize

Example Sentences

“One of the things that we teach them to do is to massage that over repeatedly throughout the day, to desensitize it,” April says.

From Slate

For example, some research suggests that repeated exposure to violent language from political leaders can desensitize individuals to violence, leading to its normalization in everyday life.

From Salon

"If we can increase levels of GDF15 before someone becomes pregnant, that might desensitize them, similar to how we try to desensitize people to allergens who have severe allergies," says Fejzo.

From Science Daily

"The G90D mutation in rhodopsin is known to produce background electrical noise to desensitize rods, but the nature of the 'noise' and its precise molecular source have not been resolved for almost 30 years," Yau says.

From Science Daily

For young children and people who have to take many different allergy medications, immunotherapies in the form of shots and oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, treating symptoms at their root.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• deaden